Farmington takes advantage of Sikeston’s costly errors in 35-8 victory

SIKESTON — It was a story of near-misses and ‘what-ifs’ as Sikeston dropped a 35-8 contest to Farmington at Sikeston Public Schools Stadium on Friday, September 15.

Despite the seemingly one-sided score, the Bulldogs (0-4) showed signs of growth that hint at a promising future trajectory.

“I love my squad and we’re just going to keep working,” said Sikeston coach Treston Pulley. “These boys want to win, it’s just things aren’t falling our way.”

Sikeston's Keodrick Sherrod (33) and Darryl Jordan (14) sack the quarterback�during a 35-8 loss to Farmington at Sikeston Public Schools Stadium on Friday, September 15, 2023.Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

Sikeston made some key plays, putting itself in advantageous positions. However, subsequent mental mistakes hindered the team’s ability to make the most out of those opportunities and make the game more competitive.

Farmington quickly scored on the opening drive with a 20-yard touchdown scramble by Brett Drye on 3rd-and-10.

Sikeston punted on its opening drive, but the Bulldogs’ defense looked strong on the next Knights’ (3-1) possession with a pass breakup by Bo Riddle on first down and a tackle for a loss on second down by Andrew Green.

Sikeston's Sam McGill (8) tries to recover a Farmington fumble�during a 35-8 loss at Sikeston Public Schools Stadium on Friday, September 15, 2023.Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

However, Farmington converted a 4th-and-1 and a 3rd-and-16 on the drive, increasing the lead to 14-0 with an 11-yard touchdown run from Connor Rice with two minutes and 25 seconds left in the first quarter.

Sikeston punted after a bobbled snap on third down, and Farmington extended the lead to 20-0 with a 4-yard touchdown run by Tatem Tinsley with 9:55 left in the second quarter.

Both teams punted on their next drives, with the Knights’ punt following a sack on third down by Keodrick Sherrod and Darryl Jordan.

Members of the Sikeston dance team prepare to perform�during a 35-8 loss to Farmington at Sikeston Public Schools Stadium on Friday, September 15, 2023.Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

The Bulldogs finally caught a break later in the first half after forcing another punt.

A bad snap gave Sikeston the ball at the 1-yard line and Kayden Craig punched it into the end zone on a quarterback sneak.

Green ran in the two-point conversion to narrow the lead to 20-8 with 52 seconds until halftime.

Sikeston's Andrew Green (6) runs in a two-point conversion�during a 35-8 loss to Farmington at Sikeston Public Schools Stadium on Friday, September 15, 2023.Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

“It was good,” Pulley said. “The football gods had us, and I’m proud of these boys for fighting.”

Sikeston struggled in the second half, but an interception by Riddle on Farmington’s first drive was positive.

Farmington increased the lead to 27-8 with a 22-yard touchdown run by Kaesen McClain in the third quarter, and to 33-8 on a 26-yard touchdown run by McClain with 9:14 left in the fourth quarter.

The Knights scored their final points on a safety with 7:38 remaining.

“We’re going to keep working and try to get better next week,” Pulley concluded.

Farmington outgained Sikeston in total yardage, 306-69.

The Bulldogs had seven penalties for 61 yards, while Farmington had six penalties for 56 yards.

Luke Gadberry was Sikeston’s top offensive performer, running seven times for 46 yards.

Next Friday, Sikeston travels to Poplar Bluff (1-3), while Farmington plays Lift for Life Academy (3-0) at home.